When you surf over to a cruise win or cruise giveaways agency's Web site, or dial up their 800 number, you may be dealing with one of the top cruise-only wholesalers in the country, a local franchisee of a large full-service travel business, or a very reputable cruise expert at a small cruise agency. Or, it may be a novice working off of his or her kitchen table.
So, how can you tell the difference and find a good, reputable travel agent or agency -- and keep away from a bad booking experience?
Unfortunately, agents tell us that the traveling enterprise is not well-regulated, and just about any individual can just print up small business cards, hang out a shingle and start marketing travel. The majority of states do not require any kind of registration, certification, licensing or consumer protection measures for travel companies, although this is beginning to change. Bottom line: It is most important to know who you are doing business with.
Your best bet is to discuss to close friends, co-workers, relatives and associates and ask them if they know of a good, reputable, local agent who focuses in cruise sweepstakes. But here are a few more tips for eliminating cruise travel scams -- and spotting a less-than-worthy agency and conserving your expenditure before it's too late.
Paid with a credit card. For your better protection against either a dishonest seller of travel or possible supplier bankruptcy, always payoff for your cruise fare -- both the initial deposit and the last payment -- with a primary credit card such as Visa, Mastercard or Amex. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, you are entitled to security (via a chargeback of disputed fees to your account) if a retailer fails.
Important note: This protection may not carry out to those using debit or check cards; it's significant to ensure guidelines with your issuing bank just before you charge.
Be certain your money is in the correct hands. After you've made a payment, review your credit card or bank statement and make sure that any applicable charges come directly with the cruise line, not with the vacation agency. That way, you'll be aware of that the cruise line has absolutely acquired your money. If you have to pay by check or money order, it should be made payable to the cruise line -- not to the agency or to a person.
Get proper confirmation of your reservation. Request on getting the true cruise company confirmation numbers, not just a confirmation number from your agency. Not only will you then know that your information and money is in the correct hands, but you'll also be able to preserver shore excursions, restaurant reservations and spa appointments (where available) on the cruise line's Web site.
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